Breast Reduction Surgery (Mammoplasty)

For over one million women nationwide, large breasts are a painful, oftentimes embarrassing hindrance to everyday life. Here at the Breast Reduction Center of Excellence in Los Angeles, our surgeons are experts in reduction mammoplasty, or breast reduction surgery. Women who have overly-large breasts and wish to undergo reduction mammoplasty need to know what to expect from the procedure. Like all surgeries, there are preparations, risks, and expectations that need to be understood and accepted before scheduling a breast reduction.

Before Breast Reduction Surgery

Before undergoing reduction mammoplasty, it’s important to consult your surgeon about your medical health, your family’s medical history, and any other information relevant to the procedure. During your consultation, your doctor may perform the following steps:

Measure your breasts

Take photographs of your breasts for medical purposes

Describe how the procedure works and how to recover from it

Answer any questions you may have

The surgeon may also ask whether you smoke or take any medications (such as aspirin and Aleve). Before getting the procedure, patients may also schedule a breast exam and mammogram. To prepare for life at home immediately following the procedure, it’s recommended that you have the following objects on hand:

Ice

Loose-fitting shirts and blouses

Towels, gauze, and washcloths

These objects will make life more comfortable after surgery, as your breasts may be tender, swollen, and painful. It will also help if you had a trusted person at home to help you in your recovery efforts and to alleviate any additional pain you may feel.

During Breast Reduction Surgery

Since each patient is unique, the time it takes to perform the surgery varies from person to person, though it generally lasts anywhere from two to six hours.

During breast reduction surgery, the patient is placed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes a small incision around the nipple and down the breast, removing any excess fat or skin tissue to reduce the weight and size of the breast. In some cases, the nipple may be removed and repositioned, giving a more uniform and symmetric look to the patient’s breasts.

Recovery After Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery is an outpatient procedure, meaning that the patient is able to return home a few hours after the surgery has been performed. Typically, most patients report lingering pain and soreness around the breasts, for which surgeons may prescribe pain medication or antibiotics. It is recommended that women refrain from engaging in any strenuous activities for a few weeks after the procedure, though they may return to work the following week (providing their job doesn’t involve any type of physical strain).

Scarring is a very real risk when undergoing breast reduction surgery. Though they may fade over time, these scars will never completely disappear, and may be worsened if a patient attempts to lift heavy objects too soon after the surgery has been performed. Luckily, these scars can be hidden by bras and swimwear, meaning that a patient can engage in social activities without feeling embarrassed or self-conscious.

Despite the potential scarring that may occur after reduction mammoplasty, most women who have undergone the procedure report being highly satisfied by the results, and not only would they perform the procedure again if needed, but would recommend it to others. For these women, these scars are a small price to pay for their newfound peace-of-mind and happiness.

Breast Reduction Surgery Results

After a successful breast reduction surgery has been performed, a weight is literally lifted off a woman’s shoulders. The surgery reduces the weight of the breasts, reshapes them, and contours them to a more physically-appearing, proportionally-accurate size. After the surgery, women find themselves able to engage in activities they previously found to be too uncomfortable or painful, such as exercise, running, or aerobics.

Reduction mammoplasty also reduces the pain felt in the upper back, neck, and shoulders of women. Keep in mind that the breasts may remain swollen or tender for months after the procedure. This is normal and is nothing to be concerned about. If a patient is not happy with her results, or if she has any additional questions, she may contact her surgeon immediately and schedule a consultation.

Make a Breast Reduction Appointment Today

If your breasts make normal, everyday life difficult and painful, then reduction mammoplasty is the surgery for you. The procedure reduces the weight and size of your breasts, and more importantly, improves self-image and confidence. A fast, easy, and safe procedure, breast reduction surgery is a specialty of the expert surgeons at the Breast Reduction Surgery Center of Excellence in Los Angeles. If you would like to schedule a reduction mammoplasty appointment, or if you simply want to know more about the procedure, please call our expert surgeons at 888.391.5720 today or fill out our online form.

The information available on this web site is provided for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to replace a medical consultation where a physician’s judgment may advise you about specific disorders, conditions, and/or treatment options. We hope the information will be useful for you to become more educated about your health care decisions. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

DISCLAIMER: Content on this website is not intended to serve as medical advice and should not be construed as such. Please see a medical professional in order to obtain specific advice for your medical conditions.